When a band like the Sex Pistols announces a tour, it’s hard to say who will open. The route could be one of the following: a brand new band that’s on a major label, an established mid-level band, or the legendary band that almost makes it feel like a co-headliner. Well, how about none of that? Bad Nerves, of Essex, England, made their way over to the US to absolutely rock the crowd. When entering the stage, with a Ramones song playing, we knew at first glance what we were in for: a swagger that just reeked. One thing in the punk world now: we, as fans, see these bands try to be someone they're not… almost acting like a mimic rather than a true band. Bad Nerves debunks all of that. Bad Nerves had the crowd in a chokehold; you would have thought they were headlining the show. Opening the set strong with their hit “Baby Drummer” while still playing heavily favored tunes such as “USA” & “Loner” was all a part of their plan. Jumps every song, guitarists back to back, a stage presence that just makes you want to look up on your phone: “When do the Bad Nerves come back to Philadelphia?”
And after 50 years, the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter made their Philadelphia debut at the ever-loving Fillmore. Entering the stage, Steve smiling ear to ear, Glen combing his hair, keeping it nice and slick, Paul clapping his sticks, and Frank cheering, he knows the next 70 minutes are pure punk chaos. When you see a band without their original singer, especially a band of this magnitude, it could be scary. Frank does the perfect job not only performing the songs with his flair but at the same time preserving what is loved about the Sex Pistols. Being up close, you can see the reactions and expressions that bands give off. This is a tour that didn’t need to happen; royalties are probably as high as ever with the vinyl resurgence, but these guys truly care about each other/ the music. Multiple times, it’s almost a sing-along on stage, Steve and Glen crowding Paul while Frank showcases why he was the chosen one. While only 3 songs in, during “New York”, Frank exits the stage and enters the barricade to sing along with fans. But we’re not done. An untypical move, Frank decides to enter the crowd, position himself in the center, and call for the circle pit. I mean, what’s a punk show without a circle pit? The night didn’t stop there; not only did we play Sex Pistols songs, but we were blessed to hear a Paul Revere and the Raiders cover and more. I feel that people who went to this show uncertain of what to expect- the way the Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter, executed this performance has everyone wanting more.
And after 50 years, the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter made their Philadelphia debut at the ever-loving Fillmore. Entering the stage, Steve smiling ear to ear, Glen combing his hair, keeping it nice and slick, Paul clapping his sticks, and Frank cheering, he knows the next 70 minutes are pure punk chaos. When you see a band without their original singer, especially a band of this magnitude, it could be scary. Frank does the perfect job not only performing the songs with his flair but at the same time preserving what is loved about the Sex Pistols. Being up close, you can see the reactions and expressions that bands give off. This is a tour that didn’t need to happen; royalties are probably as high as ever with the vinyl resurgence, but these guys truly care about each other/ the music. Multiple times, it’s almost a sing-along on stage, Steve and Glen crowding Paul while Frank showcases why he was the chosen one. While only 3 songs in, during “New York”, Frank exits the stage and enters the barricade to sing along with fans. But we’re not done. An untypical move, Frank decides to enter the crowd, position himself in the center, and call for the circle pit. I mean, what’s a punk show without a circle pit? The night didn’t stop there; not only did we play Sex Pistols songs, but we were blessed to hear a Paul Revere and the Raiders cover and more. I feel that people who went to this show uncertain of what to expect- the way the Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter, executed this performance has everyone wanting more.
Sex Pistols
Bad Nerves
